Presentation of letters of credence to the President of the European Council António Costa and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen 18:10 President[...]

On 30 September 2025, the President of the European Council António Costa and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen received the letters of credence from the Ambassadors of Iceland and Israel.

• H.E Mr Stefán Haukur Jóhannesson, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Head of the Mission of Iceland to the European Union
• H.E Mr Avraham Nir, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Head of the Mission of the State of Israel to the European Union
  
  

Background

The presentation of letters of credence is a diplomatic tradition, symbolising the start of formal relations between a diplomatic envoy and the leadership of the host country or institution. In the context of the EU, this event highlights the importance of international dialogue and the EU's commitment to fostering cooperation with countries around the world.

The letters of credence of Heads of Mission of a third country are signed by the Head of State of said third country. Two identical originals of the letters are drawn up: one addressed to the President of the European Council, the other to the President of the European Commission. On the day of the ceremony, the Head of Mission hands over their predecessor's letter of recall at the same time as they present their credentials.